Robinson Helicopter Safety

On 30 October 2017, an amendment to Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Rules came into effect allowing for the Director to specify training requirements and other conditions in respect of Robinson Helicopters.

These requirements were formerly contained in court authorised conditions imposed by the Director under section 21 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990. However, the amendments to Part 61 mean that these conditions are now deemed to be requirements made under rule 61.365(a).

Due to the safety risks identified with Robinson pilot training by the FAA, TAIC, and the CAA’s own review, the CAA considered that there is enough evidence to conclude that the operation of Robinson helicopters endangered persons or property if pilots have not been properly trained in operation of the aircraft in certain conditions.

In the interest of safety, the Director of Civil Aviation used his independent powers under Section 21 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990 to impose conditions on pilots to ensure that they are properly trained.

The District Court initially authorised these conditions on 29 October 2015 and again in December 2016 and June 2017.

The Section 21 provision was initially used in this situation because it allowed for the conditions to be put in place swiftly, while providing for transitional arrangements.